The Taliban’s three-day ceasefire ended on Sunday, but the government extended its unilateral ceasefire, initially due to end on Wednesday, by 10 days.

In this file photo taken on January 21, 2013 Afghan commandos walk down a road near the Kabul police headquarters building after a clash between Afghanistan forces and Taliban fighters in Kabul. (AFP File Photo)

Taliban militants killed 30 members of the Afghan security forces in an ambush in the western province of Badghis on Wednesday, the provincial governor said, their first major attack since a ceasefire for the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

The three-day Taliban ceasefire ended on Sunday.

Provincial governor Abdul Qafoor Malikzai said the Taliban attacked two security posts in the early hours. Abdul Aziz Bek, head of the Badghis provincial council, said one military base was targeted, in the district of Bala.

“Large numbers of Taliban came from several directions,” Bek said.

The government also called a ceasefire for the holiday and Taliban fighters headed into cities across the country over the weekend as both sides celebrated the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

The government extended its unilateral ceasefire, initially due to end on Wednesday, by 10 days.